Ayvalik Gummy Cookie Product Description and Distinguishing Features: The Ayvalık Mastiha Cookie is a traditional cookie made in the Ayvalık district, using a combination of mastic gum, wheat flour, margarine or extra virgin olive oil, eggs, fresh yeast, baking soda, and granulated sugar. Before baking, the cookies are brushed with egg yolk and sprinkled with sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor. The Ayvalık Mastiha Cookie is about 7 cm in diameter and has a round shape. The use of mastic gum imparts a distinct and strong mastic flavor to the cookie. The origins of the Ayvalık Mastiha Cookie can be traced back to 1923, and it has been crafted by pastry chefs in Ayvalık since the 1940s. The traditional method of making these cookies has been carefully passed down through generations. Producing the Ayvalık Mastiha Cookie requires skill and expertise, and its connection to the region further enhances its reputation. Production Method: The components and production method required to produce 26 Ayvalık Mastiha Cookies are provided below: - 1 kg wheat flour - 500 g margarine or 500 ml extra virgin olive oil - 7 eggs - 10 g fresh yeast - 10 g baking soda - 5 g mastic gum (stored at -18 °C) - 250 g granulated sugar - 7-8 sugar cubes - Sesame seeds The mastic gum, stored at -18 °C, is removed from the freezer on the day of preparing the Ayvalık Mastiha Cookies and ground into a powder using a steel mortar along with 7-8 sugar cubes. The wheat flour is sifted, and then fresh yeast, margarine or extra virgin olive oil, the powdered mastic gum-sugar mixture, and 3 eggs are added and mixed. Baking soda is incorporated, followed by granulated sugar, and everything is mixed until a smooth, homogeneous dough forms. The dough is then divided into 26 equal portions, which are shaped into balls with an approximate diameter of 7 cm, brushed with the yolk of 4 eggs, and coated with sesame seeds. The cookies are arranged on a baking tray and baked in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 22 minutes. After cooling for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature, they are ready to be served. The Ayvalık Mastiha Cookies can be packaged in food-safe packaging for sale.